How to make a Origami 'Chatterbox' sweet/lolly holder

I made a whole lot of  little 'sweet' holders (similar to this) and these became the place settings for the children on Christmas Day, filled with rainbow coloured smarties ( for foreign readers- smarties are an Australian version of  "m and m's").  What a treat! 

The children's ones were mini versions (15cm square paper to begin with), and I made a little 'flag pole' that sat in the centre of this, instead of the ribbon.  I made these two hand carved stamps from a design in one of my hand carved stamps books,  stamped the images on plain white card, then attached them to half a skewer stick.  The child's name was written on the back of their reindeer or tree card.

This is how to make them.

Firstly, take a 12" square of paper and fold it in half. Make a crease line.

Then, in half again. 

(Please note change of paper- the green pattern above has now morphed into plain green!)

Choose which design you want for the INSIDE of your sweet holder.  This is the colour/pattern you will see most of.

I have chosen the balls/stars below.

Ensure that this pattern is facing up towards you to start these next steps.

Now, Fold the four corners into the centre point.

Flip the paper over and fold these four corners into the centre.

Now, fold this square in half. 

(The newest folds will remain on the outside of this fold)

Now, gently manoeuvre your forefinger of both hands under the two corner paper flaps at the back, and your two thumbs into the paper flaps at the front. (I'm only showing one hand here, but both at the same time is preferable)

Use your fingers to push the paper corners to the middle.

Turn it upside down and gently tap the tip of the 'chatterbox' on the table to flatten the top so it can stand independently.

To attach a ribbon:

Use a skewer stick to make a threading hole for the ribbon.  Thread a length of ribbon about 12cm long onto the needle and thread it through the holes.

Tie a knot to secure it.  This also helps the sweet holder to retain shape.

This sweet holder can also be used for confetti or bonbonierre at weddings, for flower blossom or seedpod collecting,  Easter egg hunts (small chocolate or carob eggs preferably) or for my favourite thing in the world- little bits of stationery such as paper clips, and tacks.

Have you any other ideas????
Let us all know here!!

Leave a comment!